“Payne Park is my second home,” says Jake Ilardi, professional skateboarder, Olympian and native of Osprey, Florida. “My twin Nate and I were at Payne Park more than our own house sometimes. During the summer, our grandma would drop us off at noon and pick us up back at 8pm when they closed. We’d spend eight to ten hours a day there sometimes.”

Those marathon skate sessions always ended the same way: with Jake pleading for his grandmother to let him stay for just “one more trick”. “I remember one time I made her wait for two hours,” says Ilardi. “She and Nate were so mad at me, I just kept trying this one trick over and over and over again. Payne means a lot to me.”

At 26, just a couple years removed from competing in the Tokyo Olympics and a full-time professional skateboarder, Payne Park still means a lot to Ilardi. That’s why in 2019, in the midst of Olympic qualifications, Ilardi found himself on a plane headed back home to Sarasota. He had just finished 2nd at the Oi Stu Open in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a feat that pushed him into the rankings for one the three spots in the U.S. Olympic Skate Team. Yet something important was calling him home. “You used to have to pay five bucks to get into Payne Park. In 2019 the city was trying to close the doors to the skatepark because they had taken away the city staff and thought that they had nobody to run the park anymore,” says Ilardi. “After my 2nd place finish in Brazil, I changed my flight to get home to make the meeting with city officials the next day. I made the meeting, we rallied up all the skaters in town and got the city of Sarasota to make the park free instead of shutting it down.”

In the years since, Ilardi has never stopped advocating for Payne Park and the Sarasota skate scene. In 2021, Ilardi made a GoFundMe that raised $17 thousand dollars for the park and in 2022, started a non-profit organization, Skate City SRQ to continue advocacy for not only skateboarders and skateparks in the area, but for all wheeled sports as well.

Payne Skate Park, 2110 Adams Lane, Sarasota, letsplaysarasota.com. 

Pictured: Jake Ilardi skating at Payne Park. Photo courtesy of Observer.com.

Registration has officially opened for the highly anticipated 9th annual RC Custom Car Open hosted by the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab. This engaging engineering and design competition welcomes students from kindergarten to 8th grade to participate in teams of 2-4 members to customize a remote control car for design and race competition. Starting in February, teams can enroll in weekend workshops where they will receive hands-on support using the Fab Lab's state-of-the-art machinery to personalize a remote control car. The customization possibilities are boundless, ranging from laser-cutting car bodies and 3D printing thematic decorations to crafting vinyl-cut decals for team shirts. Weekday and weekend evening sessions are also available to fit various schedules. The program concludes with a design competition on April 5 where teams showcase their car designs to a panel of judges. On April 6, teams return for an action-packed race day where they must maneuver their cars through two custom-built racetracks vying for victory. Winners receive cash prizes, scholarships, and custom trophies and medals made at the Fab Lab. Beyond the tangible rewards, racers will cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all within a safe and collaborative learning environment. Now in its 9th year, this premier RC Car competition is a sought-after community event that sells out every year. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. A registration fee of $175 per team covers the car and accessories, 8 weeks of immersive workshops, and a two-month membership to the Fab Lab for each team member. RC Car is led by a passionate team of high school students. Supported by dedicated mentors and staff, the student committee takes charge of selecting the theme, designing logos, medals, and trophies, conducting workshops, imagining and constructing racetracks, and managing the logistics of race day. This hands-on, real-world learning experience empowers committee members to develop leadership and life skills while fostering a unique peer-to-peer learning environment that forges meaningful relationships among volunteers and racers. To learn more about the RC Car competition and secure your spot, visit https://suncoastscience.org/rc-car. For questions, email info@suncoastscience.org or call 941-840-4394. Check out the recap video from the 2023 event to witness the magic of RC Car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yYxDHeUhkU.  The 2024 RC Custom Car Open is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Deb Kabinoff Fund, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Sunset Automotive Group and Forza Wealth Management. To get involved as a sponsor and drive the futures of tomorrow’s leaders, visit https://suncoastscience.org/sponsor. 

Pictured: A submarine sandwich-themed car shows off the team's creativity.

A dedicated group of local working moms has joined forces to unveil the Sarasota Children’s Museum, a non-profit organization aimed at providing year-round hands-on learning space for families in the Sarasota community. Despite Sarasota's reputation as a world-class city with a rich artistic history, numerous outdoor attractions and periodic programs in the libraries and museums, there has been a noticeable absence of a comprehensive facility catering to the dynamic needs of young learners. Since the closure of the GWIZ (Gulf Coast World of Science) in 2012, Sarasota has lacked a dedicated children’s museum or immersive educational space. With a burgeoning influx of young families to the area, there is an urgent need to establish indoor educational play space for families. This initiative not only meets the growing demand for family-friendly attractions but also positions Sarasota as a premier destination for family tourism. In August, two groups of ladies working independently on the museum project united, forming the board of directors, and are now on a mission to bring this much-needed space to life. In November, the Sarasota Children’s Museum achieved 501c3 status, and the organization is currently in full swing, developing programs and exhibits, launching a fundraising campaign, and actively searching for a suitable space for the future museum. The mission of the Sarasota Children's Museum is to inspire, educate, and empower children through immersive and engaging learning experiences. The museum’s vision is to intertwine Sarasota's rich artistic heritage with educational exhibits designed for children. As a one-of-a-kind museum, it aims to embody Sarasota's essence - a place that has nurtured great artists and continues to thrive as a hub of creativity. In collaboration with fellow Co-Executive Director Christina "CC" Fredericks, they have envisioned that in the year 2024, the Sarasota Children’s Museum will adopt a "Museum Without the Walls" approach by collaborating with existing organizations and hosting hands-on exhibits in various locations throughout Sarasota County. The museum has applied to showcase an exhibit titled "Sarasota from A to Z" at The Ringling Museum Community Gallery Space and plans to host events during Remake Learning Days 2024. The Sarasota Children's Museum’s inaugural event, "The Museum of Me," is scheduled for the last day of winter break, Sunday, January 7th, from 10 am to 1 pm at The Bay Park by Ibis Playground. The event will feature a story time and art activity inspired by Emma Lewis's award-winning book, allowing children and parents to learn about different museums, understand what sets children's museums apart, and create their own museum model. 

Pictured: Asya Stuart with her kids at the Sarasota Art Museum, visiting Steven and William Ladd Exhibit. Photo by Daniel Perales.

New College of Florida is in receipt of two letters, dated December 14, 2023, from President Belle S. Wheelan of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), affirming New College is in compliance with the Principles of Compliance set forth by the accrediting body. SACSCOC had previously inquired with New College on Sept. 7, Sept. 25, and Oct. 2 for explanations of institutional mission, mission review, board/administrative distinction, academic freedom, academic governance, and hiring practices. These inquiries were the result of unsolicited accusations submitted to SACSCOC by third parties. Statement from New College President Richard Corcoran on the letters: “New College provided extensive documentation to demonstrate our compliance with the Principles of Accreditation. This administration has been ethically grounded in running the College since Day One and has never wavered in its commitment to supporting our students, hiring talented and qualified people, and pursuing a mission to become the best liberal arts institution in America. While we understand the obligation SACSCOC had to look into the information they were provided, we are glad to move beyond this inquiry and put the matter to rest.” 

The highly anticipated annual Alpha Win Sarasota triathlon is set to return for its 6th year at Nathan Benderson Park on January 7th. The event, organized by the Alpha Win triathlon series and supported by Visit Sarasota County, promises an exhilarating experience for athletes of all levels, from first timers to seasoned veterans. The triathlon will showcase participants competing in three different distances, catering to various levels of expertise and training. The available race distances — Alpha Sprint, Alpha Olympic, and Alpha Long Course — ensure a challenging course suited to participants' individual levels of training, endurance, and personal goals. Alpha Sprint: Designed for budding triathletes, this distance includes a 750m swim, 12.4 mi bike, and 3.1 mi run. It's ideal for those looking to push their limits while maintaining a balance with their daily commitments. Alpha Olympic: Geared towards flourishing triathletes, this distance features a 1500m swim, a 26.2 mi bike, and a 6.2 mi run. Athletes who have gained experience from Sprint triathlons will find the Alpha Olympic an exciting next step in their triathlon journey. Alpha Long Course: Tailored for ambitious triathletes, this challenging distance comprises a 1.2 mi swim, a 56 mi bike, and a 13.1 mi run. With significant training commitment and access to coaching, participants in this category showcase the pinnacle of dedication to the sport. The Alpha Win Sarasota triathlon aims to elevate the triathlon scene in Sarasota, attracting participants ranging from newcomers to seasoned athletes. Despite its challenging nature, the event emphasizes accessibility, encouraging individuals to embrace the sport and achieve personal milestones. Registration for the event is still open until the day of the event, for any individuals looking to kick off the new year with a bang! For more details and to sign up to participate, please visit https://alpha.win/event/sarasota-fl/. The park will be open to spectators, for anyone wanting to come out and cheer on the participating athletes. The event will kick off at 8am on Sunday, January 7th. 

USA BMX will kick off its 2024 National Racing Series this weekend in Sarasota, where hundreds of professional and amateur BMX riders from across the world will compete at the USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals. The three-day event will be held Jan. 5-7 at Sarasota BMX at 1590 North Tuttle Avenue in Sarasota. Races begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday, with participants racing well into the evening. Parking is $10 per day, and fans are welcome to watch and cheer on their favorite riders as they expertly navigate jumps, twists and turns along the track. “We are thrilled to welcome back the USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals to the iconic Sarasota BMX track, especially during this momentous year as the venue celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Pete Harvey, Director of Sports for Visit Sarasota County. “The Sarasota BMX track has played a pivotal role in the local sporting scene, and as we commemorate its 50 years of thrilling competitions and community engagement, we’re looking forward to an exhilarating and fun-filled race!”

"The first race of the year always brings an extra level of excitement and energy,” said BA Anderson, CEO of USA BMX. “What better place to kick off the 2024 season than in the Sunshine State itself -- and especially at Sarasota BMX, which happens to be the oldest continuously running sanctioned BMX track in America that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. We’re so appreciative of the amazing team there that has been working hard to plan what we know will be a tremendously successful national race, not to mention our partners at Visit Sarasota County that has helped champion this event locally.”

USA BMX Sunshine State Nationals, Friday - Sunday, Jan. 5-7, 2024, Friday: Races begin at 2:30 p.m, Saturday: Races begin at 9 a.m, Sunday: Races begin at 8 a.m, Sarasota BMX, 1590 North Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. 

2024 marks the 53rd anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 9-March 29 at locations in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch, features 24 internationally renowned experts discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues. This month’s lectures feature front-page issues examined by leading speakers, including Amb. Daniel Speckhard, who will speak to the transformational change needed to confront the existential challenges created by war, natural disaster and political instability; former U.S. Air Force special operations pilot and a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Nolan Peterson, who will discuss lessons on modern warfare learned in Ukraine; Dr. Peter W. Singer, known as the “premier futurist in the national-security environment,” will address artificial reality; and Shelley Rigger, a leading expert on Taiwan who will be just back from helping to monitor the elections in Taiwan and provide a most current update on that key global flashpoint. 

Streamsong® Golf Resort is pleased to announce Miles Blundell as director of golf. In his role he will oversee operations at the award-winning resort courses: Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue, Streamsong Black, and The Chainand manage a staff of golf professionals and outside service personnel who provide the exceptional experiences for which Streamsong is known. Blundell brings more than 15 years of experience in golf operations and course management at resort and multi-course destinations throughout the country. He comes to Streamsong from Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y. where he was director of golf and recreation for the past six years and director of golf for the previous four. Prior to his role at Turning Stone, he served as head golf professional at Forest Dunes in Roscommon, Mich. and director of golf at Garland Lodge and Resort in Lewiston, Mich. Blundell earned PGA Master Professional status in 2011 and was honored as the national “TaylorMade Staff Professional of the Year” in 2023 and the “Golf Professional of the Year” for the Central New York PGA in 2016 among other honors. Streamsong is home to the only warm weather destination with three courses in the “Top 30 You Can Play” in the United States, and the only destination in the world with three distinct original golf course designs by legendary architects Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, and Hanse/Wagner. For more information on Streamsong, visit www.streamsongresort.com. 

The Venice Symphony, South Sarasota County’s leading world-class symphony that has enriched the cultural life of residents and visitors since 1974, will be hosting its Venetian Nights Gala on Friday, January 5th from 6 p.m. to 10.p.m. To commemorate The Venice Symphony's 50th anniversary year in the community, Venetian Nights will transport attendees across the globe through the event’s ambiance surrounding Venice, Italy. Interactive food and musical experiences, including performances by nationally recognized guest vocalist Jay Camaro, renowned for his appearances on American Idol, and the Venice Symphony’s Jazz Orchestra, will take place. Corporate sponsors include Douglas Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Ledbetter Law Group, Joyner Family Insurance, Plantation Friends of The Venice Symphony, and Engel & Völkers.

Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice.

Purchase tickets here:

SHOOT FOR THE STARS | Local middle school students send their science experiment to the International Space Station, January 2024. 

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